Messy Thoughts Seven Days Out.
by Chris Kamalski
- I’m emotionally drained from saying goodbye so frequently, so sincerely, and so deeply these past few weeks. I have done this better than ever before in my life, and still feel that a huge hole is coming quickly in my life (quickly would be in less than seven days!).
- There is so much going on in my heart right now that I don’t even begin to know how to name what is in it. Excitement about coming home, anxiousness about the long journey ahead of preparing to come back here in March, fear about the previous two things, and a general exhaustion with any end of the year.
- It is so weird that next week is Thanksgiving and I am sweating in the humidity of the approaching summer thunderstorm season.
- I can’t fathom that I am spending two days in London next week praying about ‘down-the-line’ opportunities there, be it several years from now or whatever.
- I can’t wait for Mexican food, bodyboarding NW winter swells, family, and friends.
- I will deeply miss my growing community of friends here, my ministry partners,driving a stick-shift on the left side of the road, and of course Sarah Maxie!
This unbelievable shot by Tom Cozad (newportsurfshots.com) of Newport Elementary really made me miss California.
- I really feel like I am becoming a different sort of man this year. In many ways I am Chris Kamalski more than ever before, yet integrating this ‘new’ (in some ways) self will be challenging upon coming home. In some ways, I feel like my re-entry home may be harder than I first anticipated. South Africa has become home to me in some ways.
- Please pray for me this week as I say goodbyes–that I would be present!
Becoming Chris Kamalski 
Dear Chris:
It will be great to see you when you arrive back in town. Chuck Fair is now working at CAPS covering the 99-coridor from Bakersfield to Sacramento. Josh Fair has been assisting him in the evenings and other times. Chuck is looking forward to seeing you too.
It is our hope that we can circle the righteous rebels for a lunch or dinner sometime when you are on the ground here.
Joe Daichent has returned from Russia with his newly adopted little boy.
Al Erickson, Chuck, and I are getting together every few weeks to talk about life, next steps for Al, etc.
A “Go & Tell” is presently scheduled for you at SFC for 1/31/10. I hope this works with your schedule.
I talked to your Mom and Dad the other Sunday and they are happily looking forward to your return home. They are cheering for you and are solidly in your corner.
If there is pain in leaving South Africa it means you have loved well those who the Lord has entrusted to you for this season. In short you obeyed Him.
Love, Kirt
Thanks Kirt.
You have been with me since the beginning, and I look forward to walking closely with you when I return and into my future. Thanks for the updates on the guys and Chuck. I look forward to getting together with everyone….
I’ll email you about the Go&Tell. Not sure that date will work for me. Will email you today.